Redlands East Valley did just that this past season, as the Wildcats were guided to their fourth straight league championship by coach Kurt Bruich.

For his efforts Bruich is the Daily Facts' All-City Football Coach of the Year.

The CBL is one of the longest standing leagues in Southern California, so the 4-peat was a special accomplishment.

REV shared the CBL crown with Eisenhower but only did so after sustaining a heartbreaking loss to Redlands in the Smudge Pot game.

That was an historic win for Redlands as the Terriers regained possession of the Smudge Pot trophy for the first time since 2006. But the Terriers faltered after that victory and fell short in their bid to win the CBL. The Wildcats, however, rebounded from the bitter defeat and finished out the season in admirable fashion to take their share of the title.

"Resilient," Bruich said in describing his team's effort after REV defeated Yucaipa in the regular-season finale.

"Our kids have been through so many things, so many setbacks to make this possible," Bruich said after the win in the regular-season finale nailed down its share of the league crown.

Bruich's work, however, wasn't limited to the football field. He and his coaching staff often stress the importance of academics. His players responded with an unprecedented feat.

The majority of players on REV's varsity roster - 85 players in all - produced grade point averages of 3.0 or better. Those players, as a reward, had their names applied to the back of their jerseys for the Smudge Pot game.

"I think it says a lot about Redlands East Valley and I think it says a lot about this entire school," Bruich said. "It says a lot about the kids' success in the classroom."